Father Knows Jest

Image credit: American Pie: Everett Collection

Image credit: American Pie: Everett Collection

Jim's Dad

PLAYED BY Eugene Levy (left)

WHO IS HE? He's a well-meaning father (maybe too well-meaning) with a habit of bursting in on Jim (Jason Biggs, right) at inopportune moments.

SETTING AN EXAMPLE Dad teaches Jim about female anatomy with some helpful visual aids: centerfolds from hardcore skin magazines.

EMBARRASSING MOMENT There are so many, but we'll have to go with Dad walking in on Jim during his Alexander Portnoy-esque intimate moment with the pie.

FATHERLY ADVICE ''I never did it with baked goods, but you know your uncle Mort, he pets the one-eyed snake five, six times a day.''

WHY YOU'LL WATCH Though he should learn to knock, Jim's Dad displays remarkable understanding and empathy, the kind you wish your dad had when you were growing up.

MORE FATHERLY FUN Levy reprises the role in American Pie 2 (2001) and American Wedding (2003).

EW MOVIE GRADE B